Selecting the correct dining room rug is a function of size and a few critical visual details.
The most important consideration when selecting a rug for a dining room is having one large enough so that chairs can be pulled away from the table without hitting or extending beyond the edge of the carpet. A general rule is to allow 18-24 inches from the back of a chair to the … [Read more...]

Handmade rugs in bathrooms add a luxurious finishing touch and warmth under foot.
Atticmag’s bathrooms are packed with inspiration. While the sinks, fixtures, tubs and taps may catch most people’s attention, we rug-obsessed folks naturally zero in on the floors. If you haven’t ventured past the standard fare bath mat then take a gander at the these rugs in bathrooms to see how … [Read more...]

Take function and layout into consideration when selecting hallway rugs and runners.
When it comes to choosing hallway rugs and runners the dilemma is: one long runner or two? The usual concern is that one rug will create a bowling alley effect; two or three rugs will look choppy. The answer lies in the style and decor of your home and the function and layout of your … [Read more...]

Working out the right size is easier than you think
Subdued or flamboyant, thick and cushy, or flat woven, a rug can be the crowning touch to your bedroom decor. How to choose a bedroom rug is illustrated in the various diagrams. The diagram above shows, one of the most common placements for rugs in the bedroom: two runners on the floor alongside the bed and one at the foot. … [Read more...]

Rugs can help create distinctive work spaces, especially in home offices.
One trouble with home offices is that these modern work spaces can lack charm. Often furniture is a hodge podge mix of what's available and there's little attention paid to creating a comfortable and attractive place to do taxes, day trade or simply tend to household bills. In my mind, an attractive rug … [Read more...]

Comfy chaises on vintage carpets are perfect companions for cozy corners in any house.
There’s something special about colors in vintage carpets. I love lounging on a chaise and looking out on all the colors. A chaise long is “just-for-one” seating that practically commands you to cater in a few moments of self-indulgent relaxation. In the conservatory of this home, a wide … [Read more...]

Consider how rug color changes when placing an Oriental rug in any room.
Before placing a hand-knotted wool rug in your room it’s always a good idea to check for rug color changes. Those are due to the luster of the wool combined with the thickness of the pile and the direction in which the knots are tied. When light hits the rug it can have color-changing effects. The darker … [Read more...]

These strongly colored carpet designs are examples of rug artistry as if they were painted with wool.
Chinese Art Deco rugs are an example of extraordinary rug artistry and have a special place in our hearts at Atticmag. For many years Jane F. had one in her living room and I’ve written previously about the unusual color combinations and pairing of symbolic cultural motifs … [Read more...]

Karastan originally promoted their carpets as America's “Wonder Rug,” the trusty workhorse.
The Molly Brown House Museum, former home to Titanic Survivor (Unsinkable) Molly Brown, recently replaced the original ca. 1971 Karastan Multicolor Panel Kirman that covered the home’s staircase.
Why is that news? Because it was switched out for the exact same rug. Curator Kelly … [Read more...]

Antique Oriental rug samples are highly collectible for their peculiarities and small size.
Oriental rug samples have special names. Called a wagireh, or vagireh, these are small sampler rugs woven to demonstrate color, design, texture and weave to a potential buyer. The small size made them practical to be carried around by rug salesmen. I’ve seen a few of these over the … [Read more...]